NEW REPORT SHOWS UK FLOUR MILLING INDUSTRY IS ONE OF THE MOST PRODUCTIVE SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY
A new Economic Impact Report shows that the UK flour milling industry is one of the most productive sectors in the country
The Economic Impact Report was launched this week at a Parliamentary Reception hosted by Edinburgh North and Leith MP, Tracy Gilbert. It shows that the gross economic value added per employee is £141,000 in the UK milling industry, which makes it one of the most productive industries in the country, outstripping sectors such as manufacturing and construction; the average for the UK economy is £64,000.
The UK has some of the most modern flour mills in the world spread across much of the country, from Edinburgh to Belfast, Whitley Bridge to the Isle of Wight. In the last decade alone, more than £250 million has been invested across the industry, including in eight new mills.
Operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, millers supply bakeries, food manufacturers, restaurants, and retailers with the flour to make food for the nation. Other key findings of the report include that UK flour milling:
● Generates £2 billion in turnover
● Creates £700 million in value add to the economy
● Supports the direct and indirect employment of 9,000 people
● Delivers, directly and indirectly £270 million in tax revenue to the Exchequer
Gary Sharkey UK Flour Millers’ president and procurement director of Hovis, said:
“The findings of this report underline that this is a modern, efficient industry, founded on continuous investment in technology, whether in new mills or the adoption of the latest technology in established sites. This investment, allied to our ability to draw in substantial volumes of home-grown wheat, underpins British food security.
“We’re an industry that is focused on continued development for the future too. Just this week we kicked off our latest Advanced Milling Diploma programme to develop the mill managers of the future; hosted an over-subscribed Research & Development Seminar; and drew a focus on nutritional health through the Fibre February campaign.”
Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs, Daniel Zeichner MP, said:
“This Government has made a cast iron commitment to supporting food security. The UK flour milling industry is a key asset, supplying a critical ingredient to the diet and nutrition of our nation, and it is unsurprising that this report shows it is one of the most productive sectors in the country.
“We are committed to deliver clear long-term outcomes that create a healthier, fairer, and more resilient food system and our cross-Government food strategy will make sure our food system can continue to feed the nation, realise its potential for economic growth, protect the planet, and nourish individuals, now and in the future”.
Tracy Gilbert MP said:
“I am proud that the ADM mill is located in my constituency in Leith. The findings of this report align with what I witnessed during my visit in early November. This is a remarkable, high-tech industrial operation, supported by dedicated and skilled workers. The flour produced here supports local bakeries and food manufacturers, playing a vital role in the supply of bread, soups, and other essential foods we rely on in our supermarkets and local shops.”
Wheat flour is fundamental to the nation’s diet. About a third of all grocery items in supermarkets contain wheat flour – from bread, biscuits, and cakes to soups, sausages, and sauces. Wheat flour is a significant contributor of essential vitamins and minerals. A third of the fibre and calcium we consume comes from flour, along with 30% of our iron intake.
The Economic Impact Report, produced for UK Flour Millers, the trade association, by specialist consultancy, Policy Points can be found here as a summary or the full report.
About UK Flour Millers:
UK Flour Millers is the trade body for the UK flour milling industry. The association supports members by facilitating reliable, sustainable, and affordable supplies of wheat, providing training, promoting good practices in health and safety, advocating for the industry, and shaping and supporting long-term research and development. The organisation speaks on behalf of their members to government, policy makers, the media, consumers, and other stakeholders.
Notes to readers:
The flour milling industry plays a vital role in feeding and nourishing the nation – flour is an ingredient in approximately one-third of supermarket foods, shown via Ascential data. Furthermore, 99.8% of UK households purchase bread according to Kantar worldpanel. Flour mills operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure that bakeries, food manufacturers, restaurants, and retailers have the flour they need to make food for the nation.
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